Clarification of Trails

[_sentinel]

This has running through my head for a while, I've the asked the question to a few, but havn't really gotten an exact answer.

Basically, what is classified as a legal trail? Any existing fire trail/bush walk trail?

The reason I ask, is being an avid bushwalker as well, there are plenty of trails (mainly fire trails) that exist, that I know, and would be suitable for mountain biking. For example, there is a series of trails that mates from our workplace, ride on a monthly basis in mundaring, we have been seen by various council officials etc. that haven't approached us for infringements etc.

Are we simply not allowed to go off the beaten path as such, without prior authorization? Something needs to to written up for clarification by the relevant government bodies, as currently nothing seems to exist.

[wal]

A valid question.
I would break it down into two parts.
1. Fire tracks that are not in DRA or water catchment area are ok to ride
2. singletrack.

Legal Singletrack needs to have been approved by DEC at some stage.
A good indication of legal trail would be the trailhead and directional signage.


If you haven't been approached  for infringement of riding in an unsanctioned area, its probable that its not their job to hand out infringments or that they are too understaffed to be bothered chasing you around.

hot topic

[_sentinel]

Thanks for the info Wal, very much appreciated. The way I'm seeing it, the rules that apply to bushwalkers, are the same that are applied to mountain bikers.
For clarification, anyone not minding a bit of reading, this link pretty much summarises the situation in WA for bushwalkers:
http://www.walkgps.com/#Access

EDIT: On the approaching thing, we are a fairly social bunch, and 99% of the time acknowledge the council workers. Who seem quite happy to "smile and wave", good indication we ain't offending them 

[wal]

Not entirely.
The treddly is classified as a vehicle.
It does have more restrictions as compared to walkers.

An interesting situation happened in New Zealand where they changed the classification of a bike so that it was not classed the same as cars, Thereby getting access to some national parks by bike, when before they would have been banned.

[wal]

Snapshot from a management plan.